A year ago the Colts were rolling along towards their 14-0 start and ultimately a Super Bowl appearance against the New Orleans Saints.

Now 2-2 following a shocking loss at Jacksonville, the Colts are something of an enigma this season.

They are a team that is extremely vulnerable against the run and once again over reliant on the passing game of all world quarterback Peyton Manning.

But so far they don't look like a team that is a division winner and playoff lock although I wouldn't just yet bet against them.

"We're a .500 team," coach Jim Caldwell said earlier this week, stating the obvious. "But I don't believe that's who we are. Overall, we've got to continue to get better, continue to improve and become the team we know we can be."

Which is what?

Coming into the season the Colts knew they would have trouble running the ball and knew their run defence was suspect. A year ago they were dead last in rushing and 24th against the run so nothing much has changed other than the fact that they look vulnerable and when a team looks vulnerable, things can turn south in a hurry.

"We're in a hole," Manning said. "We're behind in the division, including two division losses, which is certainly disappointing."

They are 2-2 for the fourth time in 12 seasons and need to play far better on defence if they hope to extend their consecutive playoff run to nine seasons.

This Sunday they face another challenge in the surprising undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.

The opening six weeks were supposed to provide the Colts with the softest part of their schedule so their 2-2 start is troubling.